Editor's Notes:

Featured Article:  

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

In addition to tragically losing the lives of 11 workers, The Deepwater Horizon oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is gearing up to be one of the largest ecological disasters of our lives.  We started this feature article in the May edition of Sustainable Environments.  To view the article, click on the Previous Newsletters link above.  We have built upon that last article, and are providing the latest news and information. 

As of June 16, 2010, approximately 17,500 National Guard troops have been authorized (1,611 have been activated), 31,000 personnel have been deployed, over 5,000 vessels are responding, 2.39 million feet of containment boom and 3.48 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed, nearly 21.2 million gallons of oil-water mixture have been recovered, approximately 1.3 million gallons of dispersant have been deployed (885,000 on surface and 414,000 subsea), over 210 controlled burns have been conducted, and 17 staging areas have been set up to protect vital shoreline. Approximately 52.6 miles of the Gulf Coast shoreline is currently being impacted (34.8 miles in Louisiana, 0.9 miles in Mississippi, 9.9 miles in Alabama, and 7 miles in Florida).  Approximately 80,800 square miles of federal waters are closed to fishing, with 66 percent open. 
 

F. X. Browne, Inc. staff are presently working in the Gulf of Mexico assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rescue oil-soaked birds. More...

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News Clips:
 

Governor Rendell Signs Bill Extending Recycling, Waste Tire Cleanup Funding Through 2020

Governor Rendell has signed House Bill 961 to guarantee funding for municipal recycling programs through 2010.  More...

Algae Advances as a 'Green' Alternative for Improving Water Quality

Microbiologist Walter Mulbry, who works at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Environmental Management and Byproduct Utilization Research Unit in Maryland is studying the use of algae to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural manure.  More...

19,000 Miles of Streams Polluted in PA

According to the 2010 Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report (formerly 305(b) Report), Over 19,000 miles of streams in Pennsylvania do not meet the clean water standards for drinking or fishing.  More...

ASCE 2010 Report Card for Pennsylvania’s Infrastructure

According to the 2010 report card provided by the four Pennsylvania ASCE sections, Pennsylvania’s infrastructure needs some improvements.  More...

Contaminants in Groundwater Used for Public Supply

A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) survey shows that over 20% of untreated water samples from 932 public wells contained a minimum of one contaminant at levels of potential health concern.  More...

Rising Levels of Dioxins from Common Soap Ingredient in Mississippi River, Study Finds

University of Minnesota researchers released a study in the May 18 issue of the journal of Environmental Science and Technology that shows that the levels of four dioxins derived from triclosan have risen by 200 to 300 percent in Mississippi River sediments over the last 30 years.  More...

iPhone Apps to Enjoy the Outdoors This article details iPhone Applications that can be used by people who love the outdoors.  The topics include apps that can be used by hikers, skiers, naturalists, adventure-seekers, former boy scouts and girl scouts, and those who enjoy the outdoors from inside. By Sarah Parsons, Inhabitat http://mylifescoop.com/featured-stories/2010/05/iphone-apps-to-help-you-enjoy-the-outdoors.html

Policy Updates:

	EPA Releases Draft Dioxin Report for Public Comment The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft report entitled EPA’s Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments.  The draft addresses comments made by the National Academy of Sciences on the draft dioxin reassessment.  Dioxin is a general term for hundreds of chemicals that persist in the environment and are some of the most toxic environmental contaminants.  They are formed during combustion or burning. The draft report aims to protect the health of the American public.  Public comment period began on May 21, 2010 and ends August 19, 2010.  To view the questions and answers, visit  http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Chemical Contaminants/DioxinsPCBs/ucm077524.htm To read the draft report, visit http://www.epa.gov/dioxin To view the Federal Register Notice with details on the public comment process, visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-05-21/html/2010-12280.htm For more information on EPA’s Risk Assessment Process, visit http://epa.gov/riskassessment/basicinformation.htm#arisk
	Governor Rendell Announces Land Lease Agreement that Meets Budget Targets, Greatly Minimizes Additional Disturbance to State Forests The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has finalized a natural gas lease agreement for Pennsylvania to meet revenue needs while attempting to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources.  The Anadarko Petroleum Corp. has paid $120 million to access 32,896 acres surrounded by lands that already have lease agreements.  This minimizes the disturbance of the newly leased state forest lands, which cover 11 tracts in the Moshannon, Sproul and Tiadaghton state forests. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=11297&typeid=2 For more information on gas drilling on state forest land, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and choose Gas Drilling under “Quick Links”
	New Wilderness Advocacy Coalition Formed The Pennsylvania Wilderness Coalition has been formed to advocate for wilderness designation on the Allegheny National Forest.  The coalition is made up of six conservation organizations, representing nearly 65,000 Pennsylvanians.  Wilderness designation is the highest level of protection for federal lands.  Today, less than two percent of the Allegheny National Forest is permanently protected as wilderness.  For more information, visit http://www.pawild.org/

Above photos by Lisen Cummings

Chesapeake Bay Recently there have been some major policy changes to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.  Beginning with a executive order a year ago, we are now seeing progress for the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.  See below for policy changes, articles and tools related to the Chesapeake Bay.
	New Federal “Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed” The new federal strategy for the Chesapeake was released on May 12, the one year anniversary from when President Obama issued an executive order requiring the strategy.  The new strategy focuses on protecting and restoring the 64 square-mile Chesapeake Bay watershed.  It includes regulations for restoring clean water, implementing conservation practices, conserving undeveloped land, and restoring oyster populations.  Milestones will be established every two years to make progress toward measurable environmental goals.  EPA News Release, May 12, 2010 To view the strategy, visit http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net/ To view the full announcement, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/3881d73f4d4aaa0b85257359003f5348/ efdfab237bdc4c9a8525772100465d3d!OpenDocument
	EPA Online Interactive Map Tool to Track Enforcement Actions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released this new tool for the general public to track federal air and water enforcement actions within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  This resource is provided as part of the EPA’s draft Chesapeake Bay Compliance and Enforcement Strategy. EPA News Release, April 28, 2010 To view the map, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/progress-chesapeakebay.html For more information on the Chesapeake Bay Compliance and Enforcement Strategy, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/chesapeakebay.html For the full announcement, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/ 51c02ac2bb2b6ab88525771300640c61!OpenDocument
	EPA Releases Land Management Guidance for Reducing Water Pollution to the Chesapeake Bay The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance to help federal facilities reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.  These tools and effective practices will reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources such as agricultural lands, urban and suburban areas, and septic systems.  Everyone, not only federal agencies, can benefit from this information. To view the guidance, visit http://www.epa.gov/nps/chesbay502/
	Chesapeake Bay Settlement Has EPA Agreeing to Enforce Pollution Reduction Goals The Chesapeake Bay Foundation settled a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hours before restoration strategy was released.  The lawsuit, brought in January 2009, was over the alleged slow page of cleanup efforts.  The settlement imposes legally enforceable steps on the EPA to ensure that pollutants are reduced in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  Under the agreement, the EPA will require states to limit their Nitrogen Phosphorus, and sediment flow into the Bay.  By Ashley Halsey III, The Washington Post, May 12, 2010 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/11/AR2010051105212.html
	2009 Bay Barometer The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) has released the 2009 Bay Barometer, which shows that the Bay is still in poor condition, with an overall average health score of 45%.  The CBP partnership has implemented 45% of the health goals and 64% of the restoration goals needed to reduce pollution, restore habitats, manage fisheries, protect watersheds, and foster stewardship.  It also shows some slight improvements in water clarity, deep-water habitat, blue crabs and bay grasses.  Chesapeake Bay Program News, April 2010 http://www.chesapeakebay.net/news_baybarometer09.aspx?menuitem=50520 To view the CBP’s “Bay Barometer: A Health and Restoration Assessment of the Chesapeake Bay and Watershed in 2009” visit http://www.chesapeakebay.net/content/publications/cbp_50513.pdf
	EPA Online Map Tracks Chesapeake Bay Watershed Enforcement Actions The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides this online map showing the locations of federal air and water enforcement actions within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  It targets geographic areas and pollution sources that contribute the highest amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment that lead to the Chesapeake Bay.  For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/progress-chesapeakebay.html

 

Grants and Awards: Click on a grant for more information) Only currently available grants are listed on the grant page.  NEW refers to grants added since last month's edition of Sustainable Environments.   Grants: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Electronic Grants System Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grants 1675 Foundation Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund William Penn Foundation Grants Maryland DNR Grants and Loans Maryland DNR Tree-Mendous Program - Trees for Schools Project The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) Grants PennVEST Loans – Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Grants Page NY DEC Grants USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loan and Grant Program for Rural Areas USDA Technical Assistance and Training Grants for Rural Areas USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program for Rural Areas PA Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) Gannett Foundation - Community Action Grants H2O PA - High Hazard Unsafe Dam Projects H2O PA Water Infrastructure Projects Bonds  New Jersey DEP Grants and Loans Foundation for Pennsylvania Watershed Grants  EPA Wetland Grants Database (WGD)  USDA Encourages Farmers Within Chesapeake Bay Watershed to Signup for Conservation Program  NY DEC Grants For Hudson Valley Landowners To Protect Endangered Bog Turtle Habitat  NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife – Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP)  DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program – Protecting Non-Game Species  NEW USDA’s NRCS Grants to Protect Private Forest Land in Pennsylvania  NEW   Awards: PROP Recycling Festival Best Video Competition  4th Annual Rachel Carson “Sense of Wonder” Contest   Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Photo Contest  Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest

2010 Great Backyard Bird Count Results   The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is used by scientists to examine changes or questions in a particular species and its habits.  More than 97,200 checklists were submitted by North American bird watchers this year from all 50 states in the U.S. and all 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada.  Over 602 species were reported in 11.2 million individual bird observations.  http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ science-stories/2010-results/   Photo credit: pheanix300 on Flickr.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/ pheanixphotos/4490432026/

 

U.S. EPA - Earth Day 2010 Poster Contest Winners Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Earth Day Poster Contest! Many creative and artistic kids submitted their posters, and the winners are featured on the EPA website.  They are all different, but carry the common theme of Earth Day and the importance of protecting our world.  Great job to everyone who participated! To view the winning posters, visit http://www.epa.gov/region03/ee/posters2010/index.html

 

Link of the Month:

USGS: WaterAlert Updates

WaterAlert is a new service from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that will send you updates on river, lakes and groundwater that match your preferences.   You can receive updates on river flows, groundwater levels, water temperatures, rainfall and water quality.  You can choose to receive e-mail or text alerts.  The USGS has 9,500 sites where it collects real-time water information.  This is a great resource for resource managers, boaters, and the average citizen.   

http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert/

 

BMP of the Month:  Landscape Restoration Landscape restoration is the actively sustainable landscape practices implemented outside riparian buffer areas.  It includes the restoration of forest and/or meadow or the conversion of turf to meadow.  Native vegetation should be used because it does not require significant chemical maintenance by fertilizers, herbicides and/or pesticides.  Landscape restoration may reduce stormwater volumes and peaks, promote infiltration and evapotranspiration,  improve water quality, and provide for wildlife habitat. To view the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, visit http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-8305

Photo credit:  Nicholas T on Flickr.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas_t/2819780716/

Tools and Publications:

EPA MS4 Permit Improvement Guide

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a guidance document to help NPDES permit writers with developing municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) stormwater permits.  The guidance provides MS4 permit language, fact sheet language rationale, and recommendations and help for permit writers.

To view the guide, visit www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/ms4permit_improvement_guide.pdf

 

Riparian Buffer Report – Managing the Water’s Edge:  Making Natural Connections

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) released this report on buffers to provide important and up-to-date information and concepts on riparian buffers.  Its goal is to help protect and restore water quality, wildlife, recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. 

To view the report, visit http://www.sewrpc.org/SEWRPCFiles/Environment/RecentPublications/ManagingtheWatersEdge-brochure.pdf

 

EPA Envirofacts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added over 6,300 chemicals and 3,800 chemical facilities to a public database called Envirofacts.  These chemicals and chemical facilities are regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act TSCA).  The Envirofacts database provides information about environmental activities that may affect air, water and land in the U.S.  It includes the facility name and address, aerial images, map locations, links to other EPA information such as inspection and compliance reports in the Enforcement Compliance History Online (ECHO) database. 

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/enviro/index.html

 

New Website On State Endangered, Threatened Species in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has provided this new webpage for those who are interested in learning more about endangered and threatened species.  The site includes a detailed species background, color photos, a range map, and where to find more information. 

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=621014&mode=2

 

FY 2009 National Water Program Best Practices and End of Year Report Released

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water has released the FY2009 National Water Program Best Practices and End of Year Report, which describes the progress made in FY2009 toward the 15 National Water Program subobjectives stated in the FY2009 National Water Program Guidance and the EPA 2006-2011 Strategic Plan.  The report provides performance highlights and management challenges for each subobjective. 

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/water/waterplan/fy09.html

To view the report, visit http://www.epa.gov/water/waterplan/documents/Final_FY_09_BPs_and_EOY_Report_508C.pdf

 

FY2011 National Water Program Guidance Released

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the FY2011 National Water Program Guidance, which provides water program priorities and strategies for FY2011.  It describes how the federal, state and tribal governments will work together to protect and enhance the quality of the nation’s waters and wetlands to ensure safe drinking water. 

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/water/waterplan/fy11.html

To view the Final Guidance, visit http://www.epa.gov/ocfo/npmguidance/owater/2011/nwp_program_guidance508_050510.pdf

 

Natural Gas Exploration on State Forest Lands

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has provided this webpage that provides information on the history of state gas exploration, managing the impacts of drilling, and the gas-leasing policy, oil and gas resources, statistics on leased acreage, forest sustainability, and more.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/marcellus/index.html

 

The Odwalla “Plant a Tree” Campaign The “Plant a Tree” campaign has begun for this year.  Visit the Odwalla website and choose a state where you would like your tree planted, at no cost to you.  Vote soon, before all the trees are planted!  To cast your vote, visit http://www.odwalla.com/plantatree/ To see Pennsylvania’s “Plant a Tree” campaign video, visit http://www.pacast.com/players/cmsplayer.asp?video_filename=OdwallaBarkleaviesVoteMay25.m4v

 

 

 

Newsletter Editor/Design and Layout: Lisen Cummings

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